Quarrying Activities Research Articles

Fungal Organisms Associated with Ocular Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Ocular infections in man are the contamination and invasion of ocular tissues by micro-organisms leading to the breakdown of the natural defense mechanisms of the eyes. The areas in the eye that are frequently infected are the conjunctiva, lid and cornea. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the fungal organisms associated with Ocular Infections in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Abia State. Methods: Ocular specimens were collected from 500 patients and investigated using culture techniques. Results: The five hundred (500) patients, thirty-seven 37(7.4%) had fungal contamination. There was a statistical significance (p=0.006) in sex as males had 22(8.4%) more fungal contamination while females had 15(6.3%). Age played a significant role (P=0.001) as Individuals between 30-45 years were more affected (13.1%) while the least was in the age group 0-15 years (1.4%). The occupation of the patients significantly influenced (P=0.002) the prevalence of the fungal contamination of the eyes as individuals who were engaged in farming activities had the highest contamination 11(12.2%) followed by stone quarrying activities 9(13.8%). The least came from the civil servants 2(2.5%). Aspergillus niger 40(8.0%) was the most prevalent, followed by Candida albicans 32(6.4%) while Aspergillus fumigatus had the least 22(4.4%). Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium spp prevalence were 28(5.6%) and 27(5.4%) respectively. Conclusions: The culture positivity in this study was very high. Fungal infections of the eye were mostly caused by Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, C. albicans and Fusarium spp.

An Assessment of Drilling and Blasting Techniques at Granite Quarry of AFDIN Construction Company Limited, Katsina State, Nigeria

This research work assessed the Drilling and Blasting Techniques at the Granite Quarry of AFDIN Construction Company Limited, Katsina State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify drilling and blasting equipment, find out the drilling pattern and parameters, assess blasting method and its compliance with safety practices in and around the blast site and review the impact of the blasting operations on the surrounding environment. As an introduction, the concept of drilling and blasting activities and how they affect immediate environment were explained. The study assessed quarry activities using field visit and interviews. Equipment identified at the quarry were Wagon drill, Jack hammer, Compressors, Rock breaker, Excavators and tippers, etc. Also, Atlas Copco YT27 Jack Hammer was the main tool for hole drilling with either Square or Rectangular drilling pattern being adopted and Drilling dimensions of 4x5ft or 4x4ft (spacing and burden) were frequently used at the Quarry. Hole depths used were 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, and 12ft and drilling bit of 1-inch or 2-inch. Furthermore, the study identified that, 2,088.95 kg of explosives (10% High Explosive and 90% Low Explosive) was used to charge 2000 drilled holes with an average hole depth of 3.65metres and diameter of 32mm. A total of 7,394 tonnes of granite rock was blasted. Result from immediate blasting at the quarry indicated presence of dust and fumes within the quarry environment and nearby villages, inhalation of which could lead to serious occupational hazards. Conclusively, the explosion sound from blasting and fly-rock fragments have some serious environmental and health effects to both workers and neighbouring communities in terms of noise pollution and vibration to structures. Wetting the environment and crushing process was recommended to minimise dust generation to barest minimum to protect workers from occupational diseases such as silicosis and Pneumoconiosis, also wearing of personal protective equipment, electric blasting method, corporate social responsibilities to the communities were recommended.

The paleo-lacustrine diatomaceous deposits of Monte Amiata volcano (Tuscany, Italy) and the Ezio Tongiorgi paleontological collection in the Museum of Natural History of the University of Pisa

At the foothillof Monte Amiata volcano (southern Tuscany, Italy), small extinct lake basins of late Pleistocene age are documented. These lake basins were characterized by the deposition of two very different types of sediment: a) derived from the authigenic precipitation of iron oxides (goethite) and exploited as earth pigments; b) biogenic siliceous sediment composed of fossil diatoms and named diatomaceous earth or diatomite. The lacustrine sediments of Mount Amiata volcano were widely exploited for various applications since ancient times. Literary documents begin in the 16th century, with the descriptions of Cesalpino, Gesner, Agricola, and Imperato. Specific references to the diatomites of Monte Amiata are quoted in the 17th century by Boccone and Bonanno. The quarrying activity was described by Micheli in 1733. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the diatomaceous earths of Monte Amiata are part of the important geological collections of Micheli, Targioni Tozzetti, Baldassarri, Campani, and Tommi. A particular significance has the collection of botanic and ichthyologic fossils collected by Ezio Tongiorgi, and now preserved in the Museum of Natural History of the University of Pisa sited at the Charterhouse of Pisa in the Calci village. These paleontological samples preserve the biological and physical testimonies of the environmental and climatic changes of the late Pleistocene and are now particularly valuable because they are the only remaining evidence of the diatomaceous lacustrine deposits of the paleo-lakes of Monte Amiata. For these reasons, they represent geological materials with a fundamental cultural value.

Soil quality and metal distribution around stone quarries within Abeokuta, Southwest, Nigeria

Quarrying activities are explored to extract a variety of materials deposited underneath the earth surface. These activities however can potentially impact negatively on soil quality and cause elemental pollution. This study assessed soil quality and distribution of metals in soils around four quarrying sites (PAPA, S&D, TCity and Mile 8) within Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Thirty six topsoil samples were collected at distances from quarry gates in September 2019 and analyzed using standard methods. Soil quality and metal concentrations were compared with reference and standards and the degrees of soil contamination assessed using relevant indices. Soil quality reduced with distance from the quarry gates. Similarly, metal concentrations had strong and significant (P=0.05) negative relationships with distance and were higher in soil samples compared to the reference. Moderate contaminations for all metals were observed in soils collected close to the quarry gates soils from the results of the contamination factor index (Cf). However, the results of ecological risk index (Ei) showed that the metal loads in soils currently do not pose any ecological risk.
 Keywords: Quarry, Soil quality, Metal distribution, Soil contamination, Potential ecological risk

PRInK: Environmental virtual interactive based education and learning model for STEM motivation

Pollution from quarry activities has a substantial environmental impact on many countries. This issue should be addressed accordingly as its impact may introduce various health-related problems to the surrounding community. One alternative is to increase awareness for the younger generation and society at large. However, environmental data modelling, specifically on quarry activities, has thus far targeted engineers and professionals, not school children, such as for knowledge exploration or learning material. At the same time, the number of students enrolling in STEM courses is continuously declining. Hence, this research aims to develop the environmental virtual interactive based education and learning model called PRInK to foster STEM education. Five components of the proposed model were identified: a) Computer-Assisted Learning; b) Motivation Level; c) Green Environmental Data; d) Learning Outcome; and e) Problem Context. The actual environmental scientific data were used in the simulation and visualisation. Experts in these fields verified the components. The result of the analysis reveals 17 groups of elements, which were further categorised into 58 sub-elements. The model then was validated through prototype development and users validation. The testing and validation of the prototype were carried out on secondary school children, with the results proving the usability and practicality of the model and showed the increased STEM motivation and interest. The PRInK model and the prototype increase society’s awareness about environmental issues starting from school, increase STEM interest and improve the overall quality of life through a shared understanding for future generations.

Effect of micro sized quarry dust particle on the compaction and strength properties of cement stabilized lateritic soil

Laboratory investigation on the effect of micro sized quarry dust on engineering behaviour of cement stabilized lateritic soil was carried out. The specific concentration was on the effective way of curtailing, managing and disposing solid wastes generated from quarry activities by incorporating them as admixture in cement amelioration protocol of weak lateritic soil bound for sustainable subgrade material. In airfield, embankment, railways, pavement foundation structures, special attention/consideration/interest is continually laid on how moisture percolation affect the bearing capacity or strength of the subgrade layer. The quarry dust of 0 to 10 % was admixed with cement of 0 to 8 %, both in step increment of 2% by dry weight of the soil forming a combination matrix of twenty-five test specimens in an amelioration protocol. The test results show that quarry dust admixture steadily improved the plasticity index of cement stabilized soil through the reduction in plasticity index. The maximum dry density in most part of the test, improved with increase in percentage stabilizers blend for the individual corresponding optimum moisture content of the treated soil. The mechanical properties (California bearing ratio and unconfined compressive strength) of cemented lateritic soil increased significantly with increase in the micro sized quarry dust stabilizer. The resistance to loss in strength showed that more than 80 % durability values was recorded. The SEM/EDS analysis of the optimally stabilized specimen in contrast to untreated soil established the development of calcite as C-S-H and C-(A)-S-H. The formation of C-S-H and C-(A)-S-H which was also confirmed through the FTIR and XRD test was responsible for strength development.

Application of Photogrammetry Technique for quarry stockpile estimation

The quarrying activities is one of the largest industries in the world which supplied aggregate primarily for construction of any buildings and structures. Continuous supply of aggregates is very important to ensure the construction activities can be carried out without delays. Hence, the quarry operators consistently monitor their stockpile volume to meet the client’s demands. In most cases, the determination of available stockpile at the quarry are done by utilizing conventional method (manual measurement of the stockpile’s dimension). This approach is time consuming and sometimes required professional surveyor to carry out the task. Hence in this work, a comparative study between conventional and photogrammetry method was done to estimate the stockpile in a quarry. Drone was flying to capture the aerial images of a stockpile in the quarry. The effect of the flying height and the percentage of overlapping on the accuracy of stockpile volume was studied. Result shows at lower percent of side overlap (50%), the accuracy of estimation is better. The difference between the photogrammetry technique and conventional method only 2.5%. It can be concluded that photogrammetry technique is very reliable to be applied by the quarry operators to estimate their stockpile volume.

Distribution and Abundance of Macrobrachium Populations in Palawan

Nothing is known about the population dynamics of Macrobrachium spp. or freshwater decapods in Palawan that hence received little attention to conservation studies that are imperative to establish sustainable management proposals. Thus, this paper provides information on the natural distribution and abundance of Macrobrachium spp. in Palawan to address threats to their survival. Preliminary findings through key informant’s interviews suggest the distribution and abundance of these species in Palawan’s river system. Generally, Macrobrachium spp. are present in all river systems in the province. However, the respondents observed that the population started to decline during the late 1990s attributed to the rampant use of organic pesticides/insecticides for agricultural purposes and intensive quarrying activities stretched along with the river systems in some of the municipalities in Palawan. Results also annotated that the local populations use these animals as food without official regulations, which may be additional pressure on freshwater prawns. The abundance of the Macrobrachium spp. is affected by human interventions and the destruction of their natural habitat and populations. Management measures should be considered from the economic conditions of freshwater prawns for effective management strategy and conservation efforts for future generations.

Determining pulmonary function and the associated risk factors among stone quarry workers in a suburban area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Background:Stone quarrying activities generate dust and fine particulate matters of silica and heavy metals. The prolonged exposure to suspended particulates leads to fatal respiratory complications. Occupational pulmonary complications are poorly characterized among quarry workers in Tamil Nadu.Objectives:This study aims to assess pulmonary function and determine the associated risk factors among quarry workers.Materials and Methods:A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2015 among workers at seven stone quarries in Chennai and residents within a 5 Km radius. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and sputum analysis were done.Results:Overall, 670 participants were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 37 years. Comparatively, the mean PFT measures were significantly lower in quarry workers with a higher proportion of airflow obstruction and tuberculosis infection.Conclusion:The risk of airflow obstruction among quarry workers increased with smoking and longer duration of work years in quarry.

Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Stone Quarrying in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda

The study aimed at assessing the environmental and socio-economic impact of stone quarrying in Tororo district. To achieve this, we used questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions, where the information obtained was confirmed by field observations. The data was analysed using simple descriptive statistics like percentages, tables and graphs. Results indicated that, stone quarrying did more harm than good on the biophysical environment as it came with terrestrial ecosystem degradation as reported by 65%, water quality deterioration as reported by 34% as well as deafening noise and air pollution as indicated by 100% of the total respondents. Socio-economic analysis indicated that benefits of stone quarrying outweighed costs. For example, 100% of respondents indicated that employment arose from stone quarrying and 79% stated that, standards of living have been elevated by the activity. The district local government realizes local revenue from the activity. The activity is however associated with accidents and subsequent loss of lives and physical body damages due to collapsing caves of quarries. It was therefore concluded that, Tororo district environment office should monitor the quarrying activities to avoid leaving open pits and caves that are dangerous to lives of people at quarry sites.

Mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of pumice stone/sludge filled thermosetting composites

The exploitation of natural quarries generates a high amount of waste as a result of the extraction, screening and segmentation processes. These usually inert wastes are not typically reused and end up in landfills. There is an urgent need for sustainable solutions aiming at the valorisation of these mineral wastes through the development of innovative products with greater added value and active functionalities. In this work, the applicability of different mineral wastes was tested on the development of advanced active ecocomposites. Several formulations/conditions, using green epoxy and polyester matrixes, were assessed in order to determine the reasonable production parameters. Additionally, two different antibacterial agents were added and the efficacy was tested. The overall mechanical performance of the ecocomposite was evaluated during every stage of development. The combination of dried sludge and green epoxy resin (SE_70), containing 70% of mineral waste, revealed to be most promising composition with interesting mechanical properties (tensile strength 91.63 ± 3.31 (MPa); strain (%) 0.69 ± 0.05; and Young's modulus (GPa) 13.65 ± 0.64). The functionalization of these samples was successful and the antibacterial activity was confirmed. However, the active agent affected the short-term mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the QUV® accelerated weathering test confirmed that the main long-term properties were unaffected. Thus, it is concluded that mineral waste from quarry activities can be use in the development of new sustainable added value advanced products.

Environmental and economic optimization for block cutting of dimension stones in a limestone quarry

The paper presents the evaluation of quarrying operations as specified by the Eco-Label standards for hard coverings, while it develops the work done by (Elkarmoty et al., 2020a). The economic and environmental optimization of the quarry activities were analysed taking in to account several parameters: production costs, obtainable revenues, waste production, dust and CO2 emissions, water and energy consumption, and the Eco-Label ‘natural resource’ criteria for hard coverings. For the dust and CO2 emissions, water and energy consumption, the research presents a comparison between a chain saw cutter machine and a diamond wire cutter machine. The research’s objective is to evaluate the optimal sustainable engineering and optimization practice in terms of economy and the environment by means of block dimensions and block cutting machinery choices. The research was implemented in a case study of limestone quarry bench in Italy. The highest obtainable recovery ratio was detected as 53%, while the obtainable revenues were found in correlation with the recovery ratio, decreasing with increasing block surface area. However, the lowest production costs were obtained for the block dimension that reflected the lowest recovery ratio, hence, highest waste volume. The dust emissions, energy consumption and carbon footprint of the block cutting operations of the quarry were lower when the diamond wire cutter was used, compared to the chain saw cutter, respectively. For the block cutting of the bench, using blocks with lower surface area were found to have higher recovery ratios than the threshold value which Eco-Label natural resources criteria indicates. The excellence level of the Eco-Label criteria can be obtained in the presented case study only by one block dimension. Each criterion was evaluated in order to find the best practice for the quarry in terms of environment, economy and sustainability.

Study of river sensitivity for sustainable management of sand quarrying activities in Damodar river, West Bengal, India

Study of river sensitivity for sustainable management of sand quarrying activities in Damodar river, West Bengal, India

THE EMERY OF NAXOS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF MINING AT A LOCAL AND NATIONAL CONTEXT

The aim of this paper is to present the fluctuations of emery mining, from Ancient times to the present day, in the island of Naxos, Greece. Many Aegean islands were characterised in Antiquity by intense mining and quarrying activities, and many such activities continue even today. Emery is along with marble, the distinctive industrial mineral of the Cyclades, even now that production has largely ceased. This is an analysis of how emery came to be in Naxos, and how its existence and its exploitation by the local population shaped the society, the economy and the folklore of the local mining communities. In addition, since such mineral wealth is a matter not only of local but of national importance as well, the significance of emery export in Greek national economy will be discussed, along with how the changing international industrial and financial reality affected mining and thus the life of the locals. While presently profitable emery mining is rather unlikely, it is still possible for the insular community and economy to benefit from the establishment of a thematic geopark, based on the existing mines and the old mining infrastructure.

Geoconservation in the Cabeço da Ladeira Paleontological Site (Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park, Portugal): Exquisite Preservation of Animals and Their Behavioral Activities in a Middle Jurassic Carbonate Tidal Flat

The Cabeço da Ladeira paleontological site in central Portugal became known as the “Jurassic Beach”. Formerly an active quarry, the site was protected in order to preserve the large exposures of a Middle Jurassic (early? Bajocian) carbonate tidal flat with an outstanding fossil record. This multidisciplinary paleontological work involving experts from several national and international research and geoconservation institutions was carried out under the umbrella of the Institute for Nature Conservation (ICNF), since this geosite is located within the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros nature park. Cabeço da Ladeira has provided exquisitely preserved body fossils, especially echinoderms, together with the exceptional preservation of their, and other, animal’s behaviors. It is also a hotspot to understand the diversity of bivalves in the Middle Jurassic. Due to the large area of the geosite, the international relevance of the findings, and the risk of weathering and destruction of the fossils, a geoconservation plan has been developed by ICNF with the support of local authorities. After several years of being open to visitors without proper control, the Cabeço da Ladeira paleontological site is now conditioned to organized groups of researchers, schools, and tourists. Some body fossils were collected for studies and included in the national collections of the Geological Museum (Lisbon). Moreover, casts have been made to protect holotypes of trace fossils, also providing ways to replicate this fossil record in temporary exhibitions. A long-term experimental study to conserve the limestone bedding plane exposures and their fossil contents was started in order to develop the best geoconservation strategy with an aim to reduce the damage produced by the increasing tourist demand on natural sites. Cabeço da Ladeira and other geosites in protected areas are key to communicating an evolutionary approach to environmental education, and their geoconservation must be a priority to improve their long-term use as (geo)tourism attractions.

Heavy metal contamination of cassava (Manihot esculentum) grown on quarry soils in Umunneochi Abia state and its health implications

Contamination of agricultural soils by quarry activities is posing serious challenges food security in greater parts of the Sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the heavy metals in soils and cassava (Manihot esculentum) tubers obtained from three different quarry sites in Umunneochi, Abia State Nigeria. Samples of soil and cassava tubers were collected in replicates following the direction of natural drainage, while control samples were obtained against the direction of natural drainage from the quarry pits. Soil and cassava tuber samples were collected and subjected to standard physicochemical analyses. Heavy metal concentration in the quarry soil and cassava tubers varied significantly from the control except for Cd (mg/kg) at P<0.05. All heavy metals identified in the soil were also present in the cassava tuber samples, with Al concentration in the quarry soils correlating positively (0.977**) with that of cassava tubers. The quarry activities contributed to the heavy metal levels of quarry soils and responsible for the accumulation of heavy metals in cassava tubers that could lead to food insecurity and public health concerns. This further brings to fore the challenges and need to review and update mining and quarry regulations in Nigeria.

BIO-PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF QUARRYING ACTIVITIES IN SELECTED QUARRIES IN TEZO WARD-KILIFI COUNTY

Purpose: Using a Systems’ Approach, this study explores what aspects are essential for stone quarries to adopt a functional environmental management plan and whether compliance with environmental laws enhances business performance. The specific objectives of the study were: To evaluate the bio-physical effects of quarrying activities in selected quarries in Tezo ward and to evaluate the socio-economic effects of quarrying activities in selected quarries in Tezo ward.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey design; the research data collection instrument was questionnaires. The study adopted purposive sampling; a survey of 134 respondents representing 80 quarry workers, 40 quarry owners, 10 EIA Experts, 3 NEMA staff and 1 County geologist were sampled purposively. Weighted and the Consolidated Scores were entered on Microsoft Excel for cleaning and later transferred to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0) for statistical analyses. Data was presented inform of graphs, pie-charts, tables and narration in the thematic areas.&#x0D; Findings: The study found out that there were health and ecological problems associated with quarrying. The application of heavy quarrying machines resulted to soil erosion, destruction of flora and threatens biodiversity aesthetic. The study revealed that quarrying was a source for livelihood among the community and more men (90%) were involved in quarrying due to masculinity nature of the task. EMPs were found to be significant in management of quarries. The development of EMPs and EIA was influenced by different actors and informal sector was a significant influencer of EMPs implementation. The study concluded that EMPs were effective in management of quarries despite varied challenges facing the NEMA official and the EIA experts.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends the need for transparency in the EIA as well as in the development of EMPs, to avoid discrimination and non-adherence. Further research is needed to understand the perception of community members on the effectiveness of EMPs in sustainable management of quarries and environment in general.

Bottom-up cascading effects of quarry revegetation deplete bird-mediated seed dispersal services

Quarrying activities cause profound modifications on ecosystems, such as removal of vegetation cover, biodiversity loss and depletion of ecosystem services. Ecological restoration stands as a solution to revert such effects. Concomitantly, awareness is currently being given on ecosystem services and ecological processes to evaluate restoration efficiency.The objective of the study was to assess restoration success in a quarry subjected to restoration practices for the last 40 years involving the plantation of native Mediterranean vegetation and the non-native Aleppo pine Pinus halepensis. The study was carried out by assessing the effectiveness of seed dispersal service provided by birds in the restored quarry by comparing this service to neighbouring natural (shrubland) and other semi-natural areas (oak-pine mixed open and Aleppo pine forest) present at the landscape. For this purpose, we explored bird composition structure and seed dispersal networks using point counts and faecal samples of mist-netted birds. We also collected vegetation structure data and explored its effect on bird community composition.Our results showed that bird abundance in the restored quarry was significantly lower, and its bird community was compositionally different than natural shrubland and semi-natural areas. For instance, seed-dispersing birds, woody and shrub/ground foragers and partially migrators were the most affected groups at the restored area. Bird community composition and their traits were likely driven by vegetation characteristics, with higher native vegetation cover and fruit richness promoting higher bird abundance and Aleppo pine cover negatively influencing seed-dispersing birds. Concurrently, seed dispersal network in the restored quarry was less complex than in other areas.Seed dispersal services in the restored quarry were below the reported values for neighbouring natural and semi-natural areas and are likely driven by the low abundance of seed-dispersing birds. We consider that the causes affecting this group's low abundance can be related to revegetation measures favouring Aleppo pine, combined with a shallow soil depth and poor soil quality, which may have constrained native vegetation development.We conclude that seed dispersal services at the quarry are depleted, which may suggest a low restoration success concerning ecosystem functioning. Our results strengthen that quarry revegetation with non-native species must be avoided, since it alters bird community composition, and consequently, affects seed dispersal service provided by birds.

Late Cretaceous marine reptiles from Malyy Prolom in Ryazan Oblast, Central Russia

During the Cenomanian–Turonian transition (~94 Ma), what is today Central Russia formed part of the northern epicontinental margin of the Tethys Ocean. Diverse marine vertebrate faunas inhabited these palaeoenvironments, but their fossils are incompletely documented. Here, we report the discovery of marine reptile remains, recovered together with pterosaur, chondrichthyan, and actinopterygian fish material from a basal-most glauconitic sand and gravel layer of the Dmitrov Formation. These strata are exposed in an active quarry near the village of Malyy Prolom in the Shatsky District of Ryazan Oblast, Central Russia. The Dmitrov Formation deposits are middle–upper Santonian, but unconformably contact the underlying lower–middle Cenomanian Yakhroma Formation via a condensed boundary horizon that contains the vertebrate fossils with bivalve shell fragments and siliceous and phosphatic clasts. Such sedimentary characteristics indicate a high-energy shoreface setting where the vertebrate teeth and bones were likely reworked during cyclical regressions commencing in the latest Cenomanian–early Turonian. Time-averaging is also evidenced by the mixed occurrences of brachauchenine pliosaurids, elasmosaurid and polycotylid plesiosauroids, ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurians similar to Pervushovisaurus, and a possible yaguarasaurine mosasauroid. These taxa are typical of Cenomanian–Turonian assemblages from across the northern peri-Tethys, and represent components of what were probably palaeobiogeographically widespread marine reptile faunas.

Crocodiles, sharks and turtles: the urban geo-palaeontological heritage of Cagliari (Italy)

In this paper, we report on the first project on the promotion of urban geoheritage in Cagliari, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). We briefly address the history of geo-palaeontological research in the city area and outline the main phases of development in the history of Cagliari’s geo-palaeontological museum. Geotourism is an efficient method of bringing geosciences to a wider audience. For this project, we compiled a geoitinerary of the main lithotypes and fossils present within the urban territory. Miocene lithotypes are the most important materials in the edification of the Cagliari’s old town, and in the past, the quarrying activity favoured the geology knowledge of the area. The presence of abandoned quarries and natural outcrops in parks, public gardens, on the nearby coastline, and also of fossils exposed in ashlars of historic buildings, made Cagliari an excellent example to valorise the geo-palaeontological heritage using geotourism. This project showcases the importance of knowledge transfer and non-technical communication methods by converting highly technical aspects into accessible and engaging information dissemination to a wide range of audience types, including non-specialised ones.